The forest fires in Tennessee have claimed three lives so far and destroyed more than 150 structures. High winds have whipped flames throughout the tourist havens of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokey Mountain area of Tennessee. Following a mandatory evacuation in the area, Dollywood closed and won’t reopen until Friday.

Dollywood theme park is set to reopen Friday following closure due to forest fires in Tennessee. Photo credit: Maria Smith, TravelingMom of Many

Forest fires in Tennessee displaced more than 14,000 residents this week. More than 15,000 acres of the Great Smokey Mountains have been consumed. Fortunately, the Dollywood theme parks only sustained wind damage. Thus far, the park has not been affected by the inferno.

Dollywood Closed Due to Forest Fires

After assessing the damage wrought by the wildfires, Dollywood is focusing its efforts to support the community. According to news reports, Dolly Parton is establishing a relief fund to give back to the area, where the superstar grew up. The Dollywood Foundation’s “My People Fund” will give $1000 a month to Sevier county families who have lost their homes due to the fires.

Dollywood hosts also supported area businesses and rescue efforts, providing personal care items to shelters in Pigeon Forge and housing and feeding firefighters and first responders. The Dollywood theme park will resume normal operation on Friday, December 2 at 2 p.m.

Forest Fires in Tennessee have consumed 15,000 acres in the Great Smokey Mountains. Photo credit: Maria Smith, TravelingMom of Many

Charity Begins at Home

Parton herself issued heartfelt sentiments about the forest fires in Tennessee. “I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort, Dixie Stampede and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared,” Dolly Parton said.

The Dollywood Dreammore Resort has remained open despite the area’s forest fires. Photo credit: Maria Smith, TravelingMom of Many

For those interested in helping victims of the wildfires, contact the American Red Cross (1-800-Red Cross) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate ten dollars to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.

For those who want to travel to Dollywood or the Pigeon Forge area in general, check out these tips for traveling in a wildfire area from Amanda Williams, Rural TravelingMom.

About Maria Smith, TravelingMom of Many

Maria Smith is a wife and on-the-go stay at home mom to four children ages 9 to 3. Maria lives in Atlanta and blogs at MamaliciousMaria.com. A former Oprah Winfrey Show producer, she is now a freelance writer and editor. When not writing, Maria can be found on the tennis courts, savoring a book, or traveling the world with her family.